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DC Oakes Hybrid Animals

CASTLE ROCK -

The alternative high school Daniel C. Oakes is proving there is more than one way to learn STEM. A trip to Nadene Klein’s zoology class makes it obvious. “It’s a very STEM project. There’s science, technology, engineering, and math.” There is some art too as students begin drawing a rough draft of a hybrid animal. Sholphins, Catccoons, and Elphinos are just some of the fictitious creatures the students have created.

It’s also a lesson in genetics. “To know which traits are going to go into what animal and the percentage of traits that a parent will pass down,” explains senior Kaitlin Paquin. It’s a lesson in biology. “I have to say that’s probably the best part for them,” says Klein. “Trying to mix and match animals - and especially thinking about what are their favorite animals. Could they biologically be compatible?”

The next step is taking the two dimensions and turning then into three. This is done via 3D modeling software. They take basic shapes and assemble them in a three dimensional space. The project then comes to life with a 3D printer.

Perhaps the biggest lesson in this class is perseverance. Whether it’s starting from scratch on a deleted project, or fighting a stubborn printer, these students aren’t giving up. “We talked about perseverance, and resiliency, and strategies to get through that from even just taking a break for a minute and taking a deep breath and stepping away,” says Klein. It’s all part of learning at DC Oakes.

August 17, 2017 | By ccheline | Category:

District News

Last month, the Board of Education passed a resolution tasking the Superintendent to convene a task force inclusive of members of the general public and staff members. This task force will develop a survey for parents of students eligible for special education services and a survey for staff members who serve students eligible for special education services.

CASTLE ROCK - On February 6, the Douglas County School District (DCSD) Board of Education confirmed its commitment to begin the process of seeking approval from voters for additional local funding.

“Our children need a bond and mill levy override (MLO) to be passed in 2018, beyond any doubt,” said DCSD Board of Education President David Ray. “We want to move forward immediately with the necessary processes and collaboration with our community in order to finalize a formal funding package.”

Eleven Douglas County School District schools have been named recipients of the 2017 John Irwin Schools of Excellence Awards. The John Irwin awards are given to schools that demonstrate exceptional academic achievement over time. These schools received an "Exceeds Expectations" rating on the Academic Achievement indicator of the School Performance Frameworks reflecting exceptional performance in Math, English Language Arts, and Science.